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Selected Verse: Romans 14:17 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Ro 14:17 |
King James |
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
For the kingdom of God--or, as we should say, Religion; that is, the proper business and blessedness for which Christians are formed into a community of renewed men in thorough subjection to God (compare Co1 4:20).
is not meat and drink--"eating and drinking"
but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost--a beautiful and comprehensive division of living Christianity. The first--"righteousness"--has respect to God, denoting here "rectitude," in its widest sense (as in Mat 6:33); the second--"peace"--has respect to our neighbors, denoting "concord" among brethren (as is plain from Rom 14:19; compare Eph 4:3; Col 3:14-15); the third--"joy in the Holy Ghost"--has respect to ourselves. This phrase, "joy in the Holy Ghost," represents Christians as so thinking and feeling under the workings of the Holy Ghost, that their joy may be viewed rather as that of the blessed Agent who inspires it than their own (compare Th1 1:6). |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
For the kingdom of God - For an explanation of this phrase, see the note at Mat 3:2. Here it means that the uniquenesses of the kingdom of God, or of the Church of Christ on earth, do not consist in observing the distinctions between meats and drinks, it was true that by these things the Jews had been particularly characterized, but the Christian church was to be distinguished in a different manner.
Is not - Does not consist in, or is not distinguished by.
Meat and drink - In observing distinctions between different kinds of food, or making such observances a matter of conscience as the Jews did. Moses did not prescribe any particular drink or prohibit any, but the Nazarites abstained from wine and all kinds of strong liquors; and it is not improbable that the Jews had invented some distinctions on this subject which they judged to be of importance. Hence, it is said in Col 2:16, "Let no man judge you in meat or in drink;" compare Co1 8:8; Co1 4:20.
But righteousness - This word here means "virtue, integrity," a faithful discharge of all the duties which we owe to God or to our fellow-men. It means that the Christian must so live as to be appropriately denominated a righteous man, and not a man whose whole attention is absorbed by the mere ceremonies and outward forms of religion. To produce this, we are told, was the main design, and the principal teaching of the gospel; Tit 2:12; Compare Rom 8:13; Pe1 2:11. Thus, it is said Jo1 2:29, "Everyone that doeth righteousness is born of God;" Jo1 3:10, "Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God;" compare Jo1 3:7; Co1 15:34; Co2 3:9; Co2 6:7, Co2 6:14; Eph 5:9; Eph 6:14; Ti1 6:11; Pe1 2:24; Eph 4:24. He that is a righteous man, whose characteristic it is to lead a holy life, is a Christian. If his great aim is to do the will of God, and if he seeks to discharge with fidelity all his duties to God and man, he is renewed. On that righteousness he will not "depend" for salvation Phi 3:8-9, but he will regard this character and this disposition as evidence that he is a Christian, and that the Lord Jesus is made unto him" wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption;" Co1 1:30.
And peace - This word, in this place, does not refer to the internal "peace" and happiness which the Christian has in his own mind (compare the notes at Rom 5:1); but to peace or concord in opposition to "contention" among brethren. The tendency and design of the kingdom of God is to produce concord and love, and to put an end to alienation and strife. Even though, therefore, there might be ground for the opinions which some cherished in regard to rites, yet it was of more importance to maintain peace than obstinately to press those matters at the expense of strife and contention. That the tendency of the gospel is to promote peace, and to induce people to lay aside all causes of contention and bitter strife, is apparent from the following passages of the New Testament; Co1 7:15; Co1 14:33; Gal 5:22; Eph 4:3; Th1 5:13; Ti2 2:22; Jam 3:18; Mat 5:9; Eph 4:31-32; Col 3:8; Joh 13:34-35; Joh 17:21-23. This is the second evidence of piety on which Christians should examine their hearts - a disposition to promote the peace of Jerusalem; Psa 122:6; Psa 37:11. A contentious, quarrelsome spirit; a disposition to magnify trifles; to make the Shibboleth of party an occasion of alienation, and heart-burning, and discord; to sow dissensions on account of unimportant points of doctrine or of discipline, is full proof that there is no attachment to Him who is the Prince of peace. Such a disposition does infinite dishonor to the cause of religion, and perhaps has done more to retard its progress than all other causes put together. Contentions commonly arise from some small matter in doctrine, in dress, in ceremonies; and often the smaller the matter the more fierce the controversy, until he spirit of religion disappears, and desolation comes over the face of Zion:
"The Spirit, like a peaceful dove,
Flies from the realms of noise and strife."
And joy - This refers, doubtless, to the "personal" happiness produced in the mind by the influence of the gospel; see the notes at Rom 5:1-5.
In the Holy Ghost - Produced "by" the Holy Spirit; Rom 5:5; compare Gal 5:22-23. |
| The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917] |
kingdom
See (Gal 4:9-11); (Col 2:20-23).
See Scofield) - (Mat 6:33).
righteousness
(See Scofield) - (Rom 10:10). |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
The kingdom of God
See on Luk 6:20, and compare Mat 3:2. "The heavenly sphere of life in which God's word and Spirit govern, and whose organ on earth is the Church" (Lange). Not the future, messianic kingdom.
Meat and drink (βρῶσις καὶ πόσις)
Rev., eating and drinking. Both words, however, occur frequently in the sense of A.V. Meat (βρῶμα), that which is eaten, occurs in Rom 14:15. The corresponding word for that which is drunk (πῶμα) is not found in the New Testament, though πόμα drink occurs Co1 10:4; Heb 9:10, and both in classical and New-Testament Greek, πόσις the act of drinking is used also for that which is drunk. See Joh 6:55. A somewhat similar interchange of meaning appears in the popular expression, such a thing is good eating; also in the use of living for that by which one lives.
Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη)
On its practical, ethical side, as shown in moral rectitude toward men.
Peace (εἰρήνη)
Not peace with God, reconciliation, as Rom 5:1, but mutual concord among Christians.
Joy (χαρὰ)
Common joy, arising out of the prevalence of rectitude and concord in the Church. The whole chapter is concerned with the mutual relations of Christians, rather than with their relations to God
In the Holy Ghost
Most commentators construe this with joy only. Meyer says it forms one phrase. Compare Th1 1:6 While this may be correct, I see no objection to construing the words with all these terms. So Godet: "It is this divine guest who, by His presence, produces them in the Church." |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| For the kingdom of God - That is, true religion, does not consist in external observances. But in righteousness - The image of God stamped on the heart; the love of God and man, accompanied with the peace that passeth all understanding, and joy in the Holy Ghost. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
For the kingdom of God - That holy religion which God has sent from heaven, and which be intends to make the instrument of establishing a counterpart of the kingdom of glory among men: see on Mat 3:2 (note).
Is not meat and drink - It consists not in these outward and indifferent things. It neither particularly enjoins nor particularly forbids such.
But righteousness - Pardon of sin, and holiness of heart and life.
And peace - In the soul, from a sense of God's mercy; peace regulating, ruling, and harmonizing the heart.
And joy in the Holy Ghost - Solid spiritual happiness; a joy which springs from a clear sense of God's mercy; the love of God being shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost. In a word, it is happiness brought into the soul by the Holy Spirit, and maintained there by the same influence. This is a genuine counterpart of heaven; righteousness without sin, Peace without inward disturbance, Joy without any kind of mental agony or distressing fear. See the note on Mat 3:2. |
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.